The truth behind every person’s failures lies in various causes, but most often, the root issues stem from inner emotions that lead to unhappiness and dissatisfaction, primarily due to a lack of tranquility and humility. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly understand these benefits to incorporate them effectively into communication practices.
According to reports, as of the beginning of 2023, Vietnam had approximately 77.93 million Internet users, equivalent to 79.1% of the population. Additionally, the number of people engaging in social media use, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc., reached 70 million, equivalent to 71% of the total population. These results demonstrate that Vietnamese citizens are increasingly integrating into the modern technological landscape.
However, a recent survey conducted by Microsoft revealed that Vietnam is among the top 5 countries with the poorest online behavior, as measured by the Digital Civility Index (DCI). The primary reason for this behavior is the susceptibility to harmful content, shocking statements, and a desire for self-assertion, leading to a strong wave of negativity. Nonetheless, psychological researchers point out that these negative reactions stem from untreated emotional wounds
1. The Reasons Behind a Lack of Tranquility and Humility in People
According to psychological surveys conducted with individuals displaying negative behaviors, the majority of them have experienced painful events, failures, or a lack of care, love, and support from their close ones. The deep-seated negative energy has eroded their trust, leading to psychological unrest and suspicion. Consequently, it increasingly weakens their listening skills and affects their problem-solving abilities. Additionally, the desire to ‘be better than others’ and assert their competence gradually diminishes their ability to control their emotions.
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Over time, it becomes a habit of resistance and vehement opposition whenever they see a recurring flaw. Additionally, the desire for others to acknowledge and praise the values they have achieved has a significant impact on their emotions. This is why they quickly reveal anger or hastily express excessive excitement outwardly, unable to maintain composure and humility in their words. Because of this, they continue to make further mistakes while the “wounds” within them are still present.
2. Recognizing the early peril and the value of benefits from humility and tranquility
In reality, it has been proven that individuals with high levels of humility and tranquility often excel in emotional management. They approach each issue with caution and careful consideration, aiming to find comprehensive solutions based on human values without causing harm to others. Thanks to these qualities, they build enduring trust in their relationships. Particularly in their professional lives, they are consistently entrusted with important responsibilities or hold key leadership positions. The opportunities for advancement lead to a stable life, success, and wealth. Moreover, their inner optimistic energy radiates friendliness and tranquility, making it easy for others to feel at ease and comfortable in their presence. Even though they attract affection and respect from unfamiliar individuals, despite they are individuals of few words, they rarely mention
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On the other hand, humility and tranquility can prevent conflicts from arising. We can see this through the profound lives of our grandparents and parents. Whenever we encounter a situation of disagreement or need to make an important decision, they gently advise, “Everything will still be there”, “Stay calm”, Think carefully before deciding to avoid regrets”, or “A bad compromise is better than a good lawsuit”… Because they have experienced the impulsive nature of youth and regretted past mistakes, they understand that life inevitably presents obstacles, challenges, and unforeseen events that no one can rescue us from. The only way forward is to practice restraint, ensuring that we never have to live with regrets. Furthermore, the absence of tranquility and humility can undermine the efforts we wholeheartedly invest in building various aspects of our lives, including our careers, romantic relationships, family bonds, friendships, and professional relationships. Additionally, speaking without caution can potentially invite troubles and complications into our lives.
A famous quote by Indian businessman Prasad Mashes goes, “The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear”. Additionally, theologian Augustine offered a reminder, saying, “You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility”
3. Practicing the Tranquil and Humble Way of Life of the Ancients
Laozi, a prominent figure in Chinese history, is regarded as the founder of the philosophical tradition of Daoism, also known as Taoism. His philosophy primarily focuses on principles of simplicity, humility, non-contention, and adherence to the laws of nature. The philosophy he left behind has retained its value for thousands of years and is revered worldwide, honoring him as a sage of great wisdom and virtue. However, very little is known about his true life and identity, to the extent that even his birth and death dates (571 BCE – 471 BCE) are based on conjecture by historians.
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The profound teachings of Laozi have awakened the minds of individuals, including the famous saying, “The simplest person is not truly simple. The most humble person is not truly humble”. This implies that we should not judge based solely on external appearances because what we see may not always be accurate. Laozi consistently emphasized the virtue of natural humility, documented extensively in the book “Dao De Jing”, written around 600 BCE. This work consists of 81 chapters, divided into the Upper Classic and the Lower Classic, and has been translated into over 30 languages, undergoing numerous reprints throughout thousands of years of history. To this day, Laozi’s “Dao De Jing” remains a timeless classic, applied in the lives of many successful entrepreneurs and billionaires worldwide, as well as in Vietnam. Examples include Steve Jobs, Ray Dalio, Yvon Chouinard, Anita Roddick, Oprah Winfrey, Indra Nooyi, Arianna Huffington, Sheryl Sandberg, Dang Le Nguyen Vu, and Tran Anh, among others.
Photo. The Tao Te Ching is a timeless classic for all ages
Laozi provides advice on practicing humility through the following methods:
- Proactively maintain a minimalist lifestyle, avoiding complexity and ostentation, which helps prevent oneself from being immersed in materialistic pursuits. This creates opportunities to cultivate discipline, reduce dependence on praise or criticism, and minimize the habit of making judgments or comparisons.
- He encourages embracing and respecting the laws of nature. Instead of excessive interference, it is advised to perceive the stages occurring within oneself or others as natural processes that should unfold according to their own course.
- Embrace one’s own weaknesses to recognize the value of others. Through this approach, we can explore our inner resilience and hidden strengths, leading to a rapid progression towards a state of balance and the development of tolerance and magnanimity.
Furthermore, Laozi also advises reducing arrogance by frequently asking oneself questions before wanting to share with someone else, such as: “Will what I am about to say be beneficial to the listener?”, “Will it cause anyone to feel upset?” “Do they genuinely want to receive an answer from me, or is it just my desire to express myself to them?”
Because he understands that only when we truly possess humility can we achieve natural tranquility. This not only helps the human mind become enlightened but also enables us to discover the meaning of human existence.
By TTVN Press
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